60
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe movie has a lumpy shape, and its jokes are often obvious and crude, but it’s a lot sweeter than the other raunchy comedies of the era.
- 88The Associated PressThe Associated PressIt's all there -- the lighthearted summer romances, the intercamp rivalry with the rich kids across the lake and, of course, the nonstop practical jokes. If one or two fall flat, so what. The next probably will hit your funnybone...That gentle quality keeps "Meatballs" from being as totally off-the-wall as "Animal House," but there are plenty of laughs. [2 July 1979]
- 75Entertainment WeeklyEntertainment WeeklyMore Murray-centric scenes were shot after a test screening showed that little without him worked.
- 70Time OutTime OutLearning to fit is what this dodo of a camp is all about, showing that the American Way is big and blowsy enough to take a few off-the-wall-style persons, once the ol' sexuality is straightened out.
- 70IGNIGNIt lacks guidance or any real momentum. When Bill Murray isn't on screen, the air is sucked out of the picture, leaving audiences anxiously waiting for his next scene.
- 60Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrThe film is generous and often gentle. With Bill Murray, very likable as a head counselor who gruffly plays Wallace Beery to an updated, angst-ridden Jackie Cooper (Chris Makepeace).
- 40The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyWith far fewer high spirits than “Animal House,” and only two characters of any interest, Meatballs reveals itself to be a loud, offkey cry for conformism of a most disappointing sort. It's a sheep in wolf's clothing.
- 25TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineIf you liked camp, you may like this film. If you hated camp, you may also like this film. If you like good comedies, you probably won't like this film.